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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Contents April 2022
Contributors
The Beauty Barn
49 Kelley Archer
On the Cover
8 Cherokee Office of
Dr, Amy Hubert, Amy Murphy, Julie Thorne, FNP are ready to consult with patients at Canton’s newest medical aesthetics practice, which offers a welcoming atmosphere for anyone looking for a spring refresh.
Economic Development
41 Dr. James Haley 48 Barbara Jacoby 32 Harry Johnston
Pages 28 & 29
20 Susannah MacKay
Cover photo by Red Baryl Portraits.
40 Rob Macmillan 22 Christopher Purvis 36 John Rodgers 24, 34 Susan Schulz 38 Speed for Need 30 Elisabeth Stubbs 37 Dr. Mary Swantek 51 Mary Tucker 26 The Wanderer
In Every Issue
18
4 Around Canton
Volunteer Spotlight!
Local nonprofits brag on their volunteers, who are making a difference in our community.
42
HGTV Comes to Canton
“Married to Real Estate” team transforms local couple’s “hot mess” of a house into a warm, comfortable home.
46
Celebrating Earth Day
The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, Canton and Woodstock make it easy to go green. 2
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
10 Local News
14 Downtown Events 16 Shop Local Map 21 Celebrations
36 Library Events 40 Rob’s Rescues
44 Everyday Angels 50 Dining Guide
52 Community Calendar
54 Directory of Advertisers
LIVING HAPPIER IN RETIREMENT
H
appiness has no age limit! Research shows that happiness plays an important role in a healthier, more satisfying life, especially for seniors. Social connections, active engagement in life and a sense of belonging are all important keys to happiness in older adults.
At St. George Village, we understand the significant role that happiness plays in health and longevity. As a LifePlan community, we support that role by carrying out our mission statement, “Be Active, Be Engaged, Be at Home,” every single day. Here, you will find a welcoming and inclusive environment that helps you sustain existing relationships and form new friendships. Here, you will feel a strong sense of community and purpose. Here, you will experience a diverse slate of activities, services and amenities that promote overall wellness by nourishing your body, mind and soul.
We invite you to discover why so many people are living happier (and healthier!) lives in retirement at St. George Village. Call 678-987-0409 for information, or visit us online at stgeorgevillage.org, and on Facebook. *St. George Village is Roswell’s only LifePlan community, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing neighborhoods. 11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 | 770-645-2340 | stgeorgevillage.org AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Around Canton
Letter From the Managing Editor Welcome to spring! I’m the new managing editor for Aroundabout Local Media, with a focus on Around Acworth and Around Kennesaw magazines, and I’d like to tell you a little bit about myself. I’m happy to say I was born and raised in Cobb County – a Smyrna native and proud Campbell High Panther – and there doesn’t seem to be many of us around anymore. I did leave for a couple of years to pursue other adventures in Texas and Massachusetts, but I made it known that I would be moving back home. I settled in Kennesaw in 2001 and couldn’t be happier with my decision to live here. After earning my bachelor's degree in journalism from Georgia State University, I began a career in community journalism that has spanned almost 25 years and has included working as a reporter for one weekly and three daily newspapers, and two lifestyle magazines. During my writing career, I’ve covered different beats, but my favorites have been features and education. I like telling people’s stories and reporting on what our next generation is learning and achieving. I have one son, Colton, who married the love of his life, Casey, in 2020, and they’re about to make me a Nana. My granddaughter is due May 5, and I’m beyond excited. Besides looking forward to my first grandchild, I’m anticipating staying busy adjusting to my new position. Being the new kid, I still have a lot to learn, but I’m thrilled to be here. Turn to Pages16-17 to see what else is new from ALM. We have included the downtown Canton map that highlights restaurants and retailers. In the interest of supporting our local business owners, we thought we’d offer you an excuse to get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather and spend a little money in our community. This might be a good chance to get a really early start on your holiday shopping! Wouldn’t your friends and family be impressed? As I settle into my new position, I continue to be amazed at the growth in Cherokee County. I look forward to being a part of the ALM team that brings you positive, relevant and uplifting articles. See you around town!
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What’s New
Restoration Spine & Sport Chiropractic moved at the end of 2021 to a new space at The Mill On Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 114. Theodora Dance Conservatory is open at 141 Railroad St., Suite 113, at The Mill On Etowah. Canton resident Theresa LaComb Shampine is the artistic director. www.theodoradanceconservatory.org.
What’s Coming
A Night With Mark Richt Join Reinhardt University’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the community for an evening of fellowship, celebration and an encouraging message from legendary coach March Richt on May 10 at Cherokee Bluffs Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway. A VIP meet and greet is set for 5-6:30 p.m., with dinner and the program 6:30-8:30 p.m. To sign up, call 678-464-2599 or email kwarden@fca.org.
Kudos
Canton City Planner Brittany Anderson has been chosen as one of the 50 evolving professionals to serve GeorgiaForward’s 2022 Young Gamechangers program. Dalton-Whitfield County will host the 2022 Young Gamechangers later this month. Their work will culminate with a community presentation of their findings and recommendations in late September. For more details, visit www.georgiaforward.org.
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
Donna Harris Donna Harris is the managing editor of Aroundabout Local Media. She’s a veteran journalist with newspaper and magazine experience, and is excited to bring her expertise to ALM. Email her at donna@ aroundaboutmagazines.com.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Discover Your New Home at Great Sky
Nestled in rolling hills of northern Georgia on the edge of picturesque Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, you will find Great Sky. A community with the perfect balance of nature and home, quiet and convenience. More than 300 acres of protected green space is the stunning backdrop for new homes with beautiful views of both mountains and water. Yet for all the wide-open space, Great Sky is still a small Southern community at heart, with friendly neighbors, family activities and award-winning schools. Nearby Canton has a vibrant downtown with great shopping, dining and cultural events. Great Sky is where natural beauty and life-enhancing amenities mingle perfectly to create a peaceful, rewarding life for you and your family.
GreatSkyGA.com
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©2019. Equal Housing Opportunity. The amenities and features described and depicted herein are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. Actual development may not be as currently proposed. References to housing products, builders and prices are subject to change without notice as well.
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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www.aroundcantonmagazine.com AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Around Canton, a publication of Aroundabout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly magazine created to help local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers. A total of 17,000 free copies are distributed monthly; approximately 16,600 are mailed to homes and businesses, with an additional 400 placed in racks around the community. Many readers catch the latest edition online each month. Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of each month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Canton, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and the publisher makes no claims about the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Around Canton is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022.
Volume 10, Issue 1
America’s Community Magazine
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Apply Now for Summer Semester Application Deadline May 13
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A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Equal Opportunity Institution.
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Filmed in Cherokee
‘Promised Land’ BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In 2021, Cherokee County had another record-breaking year of filming. Of 183 film inquiries, 53 projects were filmed in Cherokee, demonstrating the county’s ability to make projects a reality. When Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) Film Project Manager Molly Mercer answered a call from the Georgia Film Office in early 2021, film location specialist Mary Ann Lamonica was seeking a contact for a mansion in Ball Ground, for a film team that was considering coming to Georgia. Two months later, the team, which had established a production office in Georgia, was seeking permits for road closures, a base camp location, crew parking, an open field and use of the beautiful home in Ball Ground. The project was the pilot episode of ABC’s generationspanning drama “Promised Land” — the epic series that follows two Latino families pursuing power in California’s wine country. The house they sought belonged to Ball Ground native Billy Hasty, whose home would stand in as the family’s sprawling estate, overlooking an expansive vineyard. Years ago, Hasty listed his home on Georgia’s cameraready property database, Reel Scout. “I thought, ‘If my home can help the county bring more film teams here, then, sure, I’m happy to list it,’” Hasty recalled. “And, now, they’ve come. It wasn’t just me who benefitted — a neighbor of mine received compensation that he plans to use toward his child’s education. A lot of people were positively impacted.”
Billy Hasty prepares for his role as a party guest in “Promised Land.” 8
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Hasty’s Ball Ground home stands in as the show’s sprawling estate.
Though Hasty’s property was the most prominently used location in Cherokee, a driving scene was filmed on Howell Bridge Road, and a flashback scene was shot in a nearby field. One scene filmed at the Ball Ground estate involved guests gathering poolside for an elegant anniversary party. Hasty, who was asked to be a party guest in the scene, was given a behind-the-scenes look at this dynamic team at work. “I’ve lived here all my life. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we would have so many movies filming in our area, let alone in my own home,” he said. Hosting productions is an opportunity to demonstrate Georgia’s trademark hospitality. One film professional shared her gratitude that officials, both local and statewide, had accommodated their requests, making their filming run more smoothly. Recalling this conversation, Hasty said, “COED, our commissioners and our leadership have worked together to bring opportunities like this to our community. It says a lot for the commitment they have to building these relationships.” To host filming at your home or property, visit the cherokeega.org film page, and scroll down to list your property. It could take years or just minutes, but you may have the next property needed for Georgia’s thriving film industry. To watch the first episodes of “Promised Land,” visit abc.com.
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is the leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention and expansion. www.cherokeega.org.
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Local News
A Pause in The Action at Dixie Speedway
Races at Dixie Speedway have been paused temporarily, as the family focuses on caring for Martha Swims, who has cancer, according to a February post on Dixie Speedway Facebook page. “We have always done everything as a family, including racing. And now, we are blessed to come together and rally around Martha as she continues the fight,” the post reads. “With the exception of the end of last season, Mickey and Martha have been at every race together during their 50-plus years of racing. Since Martha will not attend races this season, Mickey feels his place is to be home with her.”
Sheriff Frank Reynolds, left, with Amy Turcotte and Marcie Smith of the Children’s Haven, and Chief Deputy Tommy Pinyon.
Frank Reynolds Charities Supports Children
Frank Reynolds Charities recently made donations to two local organizations, with proceeds from the annual charity golf tournament held in October 2021. The first donation of $15,000 was made to the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, which works to prevent child abuse and neglect. www. cherokeechildadvocates.org. The second $15,000 donation went to the Children’s Haven, which supports the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse. https:// cherokeechildrenshaven.org. “I want to thank everyone who helped organize and sponsor the golf tournament, as well as all the people who played in the annual event,” Sheriff Frank Reynolds said. “Your involvement helped us make a huge impact on these two wonderful organizations here in Cherokee County.”
2021 Donations Help Community Charities Credit Union of Georgia demonstrated its commitment to the community by donating more than $85,000 to local charities in 2021, thanks to various fundraisers. Credit union employees nominate and vote annually to select the charities to support, which includes donations of money and flood, clothing, toys and hygiene items, as well as time volunteering. The 2021 charities chosen were: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta; MUST Ministries; Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue; the Children’s Haven and the Salvation Army. www.cuofga.org. 10
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
New Display Space for Local Artists Artists in North Georgia, metro Atlanta and beyond soon will have a new place to share their visions: Reinhardt University’s Falany Performing Arts Center (FPAC). Anticipated to open next fall, portions of the Ken White Atrium will be available for artists to rent and exhibit their creations. “There are so many wonderful artists in our area, but we don’t have an art gallery in Waleska for them to showcase their work. Opening this space for exhibits provides a great opportunity for artists,” FPAC Director Jessica Akers said. “The Falany welcomes over 15,000 visitors of all ages during a traditional performing arts season, enabling much exposure for artists.” Artists will be able to rent the entire gallery or a specified area. The space also will accommodate opening receptions. Most artwork displayed will be available for purchase, with opportunities to display paintings, pottery, sculptures, textiles and other works. Artists interested in exhibiting their work should email Akers at jca@reinhardt.edu. www.reinhardt.edu/falany-performing-artscenter-expands-to-visual-arts.
Auditions Coming Soon for Musicians, Vocalists
Musicians and vocalists are invited to take part in a talent search, showcasing contemporary Christian music, 1950s-60s rock and soul, Christmas music, Motown sounds, background singers, soprano, alto, tenor and bass vocalists (male and female), brass, woodwinds, strings and percussionists in the intermediate, advanced or expert levels. Anyone interested in auditioning is asked to submit a demo MP3 or MP4 file, in order to be assigned a time slot. The audition is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 23 at Bascomb United Methodist Church, 2295 Bascomb Carmel Road, Woodstock. Individuals who do not send a demo will be scheduled into the remaining time slots. Individuals age 16 and older with intermediate to expert skills are encouraged to audition. A full sound system will be available; those who audition don’t need to bring amplifiers. In-ear monitors are recommended. A Roland TD-17KV will be available for drummers. For more details, email timgrady01@gmail.com with a subject line of Auditions.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Local News
Bans Lifted at Senior Centers
Cherokee County Senior Services has lifted capacity limitations and resumed normal business hours at its senior centers. The senior center in Canton is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and is closed Saturdays and Sundays. The Ball Ground Senior Center is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon Fridays, and is closed Saturdays-Mondays. Masks continue to be required in Canton and Ball Ground, but social distancing requirements have been lifted. For both centers, clients will have their temperatures checked each day, and staff and clients who feel sick will not be allowed to enter. Clients who take CATS transportation will have their temperature checked before boarding the bus. For more details, call 770-345-2675.
Margaret Stallings
Kevin Lanier
App Helps Plan River Trips Georgia River Network, the only statewide advocacy organization dedicated solely to protecting Georgia’s water, has released the Georgia River Guide mobile application – a free trip-planning tool designed to empower river recreationists to experience Georgia’s network of more than 30 water trails. With a few simple taps, users can discover nearby water trails and learn about safe public access points, river mileage between accesses, points of interest, nearby shuttle services and more. More information about the app, and links to download it, can be found on the Georgia River Network website at garivers.org/georgiariverguide.
A Meeting of Mayoral Minds
The Cherokee Association of Realtors (CAOR) hosted a Meet the Mayors panel at the February general membership meeting, which included Mayors Rick Roberts of Ball Ground, Bill Grant of Canton and Michael Caldwell of Woodstock. The mayors discussed topics that included countywide growth, traffic solutions, school overcrowding and what new things are on the horizon in each of their cities. “It was an honor to have our local mayors attend this meeting and speak to our membership. Giving Realtors the knowledge and information on important topics pertaining to our communities is so valuable for our business and our clients,” said Iva Rebecca Butler, 2022 association president. The association offers six annual, general membership meetings. For more information, visit www.cherokeerealtors.org.
Participants at the event include, front row, from left: Al Moreno, Barbara Young, Bill Grant, Iva Rebecca Butler, Michael Caldwell and Rick Roberts. Back row, from left: Camille Gard, Robin Wright, Dolores Wahl, Andrea Meador, Dianna Hornes, Jeff Leshin and Mike Stott. 12
AROUND CANTON | March 2022
Michael Caldwell
Awards and Appointments • Longtime Planning Manager Margaret Stallings has been named Cherokee County’s director of planning and zoning. Stallings was promoted to the director position in February, following the retirement of Jeff Watkins last summer. She has more than 21 years of experience in community planning and architectural design. • Former Cherokee County Fire Division Chief Kevin Lanier is the new deputy chief of operations, replacing Shane West, who has been appointed as the new deputy chief of support services. • Newly elected Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell has been named one of the 2022 Georgia TITAN 100. The program recognizes Georgia’s Top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. Caldwell is managing partner of Black Airplane.
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IN town
Canton April 23
The Street Dog Dash 5K begins at 8 a.m. in the Etowah River Park in Canton. Bring your dog, and put your paws to the pavement for a great cause. Proceeds from the race go to the Humane Society International and Soi Dog Foundation, with a percentage of the profits benefiting local shelters. www.streetdogdash5k.org.
April 30
The Walking on Sunshine 5K Run/Walk for children with cancer begins at 8 a.m. at Etowah River Park in Canton. All proceeds go to the Sunshine Kids organization. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/ Race/GA/Canton/WalkingonSunshine.
May 14
MIXTAPE, the ultimate ’80s tribute band, performs
7-9 p.m. at the Canton Theatre. Step inside a time machine, and enjoy a concert experience mirroring artists like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Prince, Billy Idol, Blondie and more. www.mixtapeatl.com/shows.
June 4
Canton Farmers Market opens for the season, 9
a.m.-12:30 p.m., in Brown Park, and continues weekly, Saturdays through Oct. 15. The open-air market features farm fresh produce, baked goods, specialty food items, fresh flowers and more. https://bit.ly/3w3RTco.
June 25
Join Garden in the Park, featuring homegrown and handmade art, food, music, flowers, plants, recycling and more, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., at Cannon Park in downtown Canton. https://bit.ly/3tbdUnC.
CANTON FIRST FRIDAY The monthly block party, sponsored by the Canton Main Street Program, runs 6-9 p.m. in downtown Canton. www.cantonga.gov. On Facebook.
May 6: Chicago Rewired — the Premier Chicago Tribute Band
June 3: Shot Through the Heart Ultimate Bon Jovi
Experience July 1: Emerald Empire Band Aug. 5: Bumpin’ the Mango Sept. 2: Kinchafoonee Cowboys Oct. 7: On the Border — the Ultimate Eagles Tribute 14
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
RIVER ROCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs and coolers to Etowah River Park amphitheater, 6-10 p.m., for a free concert. www.cantonga.gov/events.
May 21: Atlanta Rhythm Section June 18: The Celebrity All Star Band July 16: Smokey Jones and the 3 Dollar Pistols Aug. 27: Electric Avenue CHEROKEE THEATRE COMPANY www.cherokeetheatre.org
April 22-24, 29-30, May 1
“Faith County” bby Mark Landon Smith. Directed by
Becca Hogue. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Canton Theatre.
CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT www.cherokeek12.net/News/ccsdtheatre2122 Contact the school front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
April 21-23
"Big Fish" Cherokee High School. There also is a 2 p.m. matinee on April 23. Tickets are $10.
"High School Musical" Woodstock High School. There also is a 2 p.m. matinee on April 23. Ticket price to be determined.
April 22-23
"Sister Act, Jr." Dean Rusk Middle School. There also is a 1 p.m. matinee on April 23. Tickets are $5.
April 22-23, 25-27
"The Butler Did It" River Ridge High School. There also is a 3 p.m. matinee on April 23. Tickets are $10.
May 6-7
"Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic" Etowah High
School. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets are $7 for thespians and drama club members, senior citizens and children, ages 12 and younger.
June 2-4
"Shrek the Musical" Academy Street Theatre Group performs at Cherokee High School. Tickets are $5.
Share the Love.
Shop
Local.
Our mission statement is the measure by which we determine our editorial content each month: sharing hyperlocal, positive content with you. So, it made perfect sense to take that a step further and build on what we began during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons: encouraging you to shop locally by giving you a map to follow. You’ll find that map on Pages 16-17. After so many challenges in recent years, now is a perfect time to take advantage of this beautiful spring weather and visit our local retailers. They’ll be happy to see you, and you can leave with the satisfaction that you’ve been a part of contributing to the economic development of our amazing community. Special thanks to Mayor Bill Grant, City Manager Billy Peppers and Downtown Development Manager Velinda Hardy for allowing us to share this map with you. We’ll do our best to keep it updated — not an easy task, with the way our city is growing! If you see something missing, or have any ideas for supporting our city, please let us know by emailing edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com. We’d love to hear from you.
“Helping local businesses grow and prosper by offering affordable advertising opportunities in a quality publication that provides positive, relevant information to our readers.”
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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GOVERNMENT 45. The Be Brand 46. Whole Soul Shop GOVERNMENT 47. 89th & Autumn Flower Shoppe 48. Mayberry Acres @ The Mill 49. M&M Mercantile Co. 50. Alpine Leather Co.
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The Value of
Honoring Those Who’ve Made a Difference National Volunteer Week (April 17-23 this year) began in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. In 1991, April became National Volunteer Month as part of President George H. W. Bush’s 1,000 Points of Light campaign. Although COVID-19 created challenges that encouraged many volunteers to get creative in the way they serve, an increase in volunteerism is expected to continue this year. According to AmeriCorps (https://americorps.gov) 2,123,245 Georgia volunteers contribute 187.9 million hours of service annually. To highlight those making a difference in our community, local nonprofits submitted spotlights, in which they brag on their volunteers. Thank you for all you do to make our community a better place!
Goshen Valley’s class of 2020 graduates. Photo courtesy of Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. 18
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Goshen Valley Boys Ranch
Waymark is a ministry that has been connected to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch (https://goshenvalley.org) for years. It serves children in foster care and, in particular, the individuals who serve at the ranch are a group of mostly men who come weekly to connect with a house of seven boys through mentoring, bringing dinner and studying the Bible. The most impactful part of this ministry is the volunteers are there week in and week out, consistently. Our boys are missing consistency from the adults in their lives, and this routine makes all the difference. During periods when COVID-19 prevented the volunteers from coming, they got creative. They brought food and dropped it on the front porch, met with the boys via Zoom and offered to come to the ranch and talk to the boys through their windows so that “they would know that they were not forgotten.” The ministry’s volunteers support the boys, houseparents and our ministry, and they live out an authentic Christianity that has hands and feet by doing and not just saying.
Next Step Ministries
“Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25 Next Step Ministries, Inc. is on a mission to enrich the lives of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities through engaging, enriching and therapeutic day programs. In order to best serve our families, we call upon our community to volunteer to further enrich the programs. Nearly 10 years ago, Next Step Ministries happened upon a real-life hero when Al Cato walked through its doors. A few years later, his daughter, Kelly Pearson, joined in on the action. This amazing father-daughter duo are instrumental in sharing the Next Step story and recruiting volunteers from Hillside United Methodist Church, where they are members. It all started with gardening, when Al brought some folks from Hillside to build raised flower boxes, so our individuals would have the opportunity to grow and cultivate their own garden. He recruited others to build custom doors for our sensory room, and a shelving/gate unit in our day program. These days, the dynamic duo enjoy accompanying our individuals on bowling trips to the local Stars and Strikes. They can be seen assisting our individuals in perfecting their bowling form, beating their high score and, best of all, being powerful ambassadors for Next Step Ministries. According to Al and Kelly, “We cherish every moment we are with our friends from Next Step. Working with each individual and support professionals has impacted us in ways we couldn’t have predicted and is a big part of our lives. We love sharing in little moments when our friends let their talent, ability and personality shine. We consider it a great privilege that we get the chance to interact with such amazing people. Because of our friends at Next Step, we get to experience genuine happiness, pure friendship and countless laughs.” We encourage any individual, group, faithbased organization, corporation, educational institution or small business that is looking to plug into a very special ministry to reach out to Next Step Ministries, Inc. Your eyes will be opened, and your hearts will be full when you experience the amazing and beautiful world we get to experience each day, while the lives of those we serve are enriched. For more information, visit www.nextstepministries.net, email volunteer@ nextstepministreis.net, or call 770-592-1227.
The Children’s Haven | CASA Cherokee
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” — Josh Shipp CASA (court-appointed special advocates) of Cherokee County trains, empowers and supports court-appointed community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Our CASAs strive to ensure every child has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to succeed. It is difficult to single out a volunteer to spotlight, because each court-appointed special advocate is incredible and dedicated to each child they serve. Our CASAs stand by their CASA children throughout their journey in the foster care system. Each child deserves someone in their corner, a cheerleader and someone who is completely focused on their best interest. That is the job of a CASA volunteer. Whether it is being the child’s voice in court, celebrating special moments with them, such as attending their school play or sporting event, CASAs connect with their assigned children in many unique ways. Often, the child does not have another devoted adult in his or her life to be a part of those special times. These are ways that our advocates care for and support the children they serve. Foster care is a difficult journey, and our CASA volunteers often are that one caring adult that will help a child become a success story. We are so grateful for each and every CASA volunteer! For more information, visit cherokeechildrenshaven.org. AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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5
Tips for
Successful Volunteering
BY SUSANNAH O. MACKAY
Volunteering in the community is an amazing, positive outlet and such an uplifting way to spend your time. But, for many people, it can be hard to know how to get started. Time constraints make it difficult, and sometimes it is hard to find an opportunity that is a good fit. But, with so many organizations doing good work in our community, there is sure to be a great opportunity for you. Here are five tips for making volunteer service a regular and enjoyable part of your life:
1. Give yourself some credit.
Ready to Get Started?
2.
• Volunteer online with the Smithsonian Institution.
You may feel compelled to get involved in the community but also feel guilty because of how little you feel you can take on. Don’t play that game! Doing even a little bit of something is better than a lot of nothing. Over time, tiny drops of water fill a glass. Double dip! Volunteering doesn’t always have to be some “other” thing you do. Incorporate it into the patterns and schedule of your life. Want to find more social time? Invite a friend, or meet someone new while you’re there. Need a way to connect with a struggling family member? Go together, and serve. Looking for a fun activity for co-workers? Plan a service project. Want to do something productive during downtime at home? There are opportunities for that as well. Service can be the avenue for making other things in life better, too. Keep it simple. If you are just getting started, keep it simple. You don’t have to commit to something huge. Just commit to something! Look up an organization that needs donations, and invite your neighbors to contribute, or sign up for a single shift at a one-time event. Then, you can build the habit from there. Consider your passion. Be creative — find something that really sparks your interest. Is there a cause you feel strongly about or something you love to do? Consider how you could turn that skill or interest into a way to give back. From soccer to knitting, and cooking to writing, there is an opportunity for just about everything. Make it automatic. The best way to keep community involvement easy is to make it automatic. Schedule a specific time in your week or month to remember to look for an opportunity. Or, when you are ready, commit to something regular you can look forward to. The less effort you put into maintaining your goal, the more likely you are to succeed.
3.
4. 5.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Those who are active in service have been shown to have better health, greater joy and even longer life. You truly have nothing to lose. Check out justserve.org to find opportunities near you. Here are four opportunities to consider:
Looking for a way to volunteer from home? There are so many virtual options. Check out this opportunity to help the Smithsonian with their research: https://bit.ly/3hn0izf.
• Pack lunches for kids.
Looking for another way to help from home? Gather supplies and decorate lunch bags to support at-risk kids. All you have to do is drop them off when they are ready. https://bit.ly/3poU6Li.
• Help with a cemetery cleanup.
Sign up to help with a cemetery cleanup day near you. The outdoor event offers a chance to meet new people, and all ages can contribute. Beautify the community, and honor families in our area. https://bit.ly/3M9MRRj.
• Volunteer at Rise Against Hunger.
This organization works through many channels to eliminate hunger. Volunteer for a shift to help pack meals, or run a fundraiser to sponsor meals. Bring your family or co-workers for a group experience. https://bit.ly/3vlro1Q. Justserve.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!
Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.
Celebrations! ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!
Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com May deadline is April 10.
Please specify Around Canton.
Isai CifuentesGonzalez
Holden
Age 3 on April 14 Happy third birthday! Te queremos mucho, Mama, Papa y hermanas
Novalee
Age 7 on April 14 Happy seventh birthday, Novalee! Love Nana, Pop, Xavier, Mom and Dad
Grace Ikerd
Age 18 on March 23 Happy birthday, Grace! Love, Mom, Dad and James
Age 7 on April 10 Happy seventh birthday, Holden! We love you so much! Mom, Dad, Knox and KP
Genevieve Grace
Happy eighth birthday to our little magician! Love, Gam Gam and Billpa
Nathan
Happy third birthday! We love you, sweet boy, and wish you the most amazing birthday! Mommy, Daddy, Tata, Wowo, Dayday and Sissy
Lacey Grace
Some bunny is one! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Hunter
SUMMER INTENSIVES
For rising 9th graders through high school seniors.
*
ART & DESIGN
Animation | Portfolio | Sequential Art | June 6-10
DANCE
Intermediate-advanced Dance | June 6-10
MUSIC
Scan to Learn More!
arts.kennesaw.edu
Brass | Strings | June 1-3 Piano | June 6-8 Choral/Vocal | June 6-10 Cobb Summer Band Camp* | June 13-16
THEATRE
Acting | Musical Theatre | Design & Technology | June 6-10
*Cobb Summer Band Camp is open only to middle school students. AROUND CANTON | April 2022
21
Volunteers show off their muscles and the trash they collected during the 2021 Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup.
Volunteers Lead The Way to a Better Lake BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS
April is National Volunteer Month, and a great time to recognize the volunteers on Allatoona Lake. In 2021, more than 39,000 service hours were completed by 2,272 volunteers, in efforts such as water safety, trail maintenance, fish attractors, natural resource management, shoreline cleanups, park hosting, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout projects and many others. Allatoona offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as lake events, as well as positions as park hosts at day-use areas or in the Allatoona Lake Volunteer Village. Of course, the biggest volunteer event on the lake, and perhaps in the nation, is the Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup (GLAC). This event is held every year in September and usually is in the top three Public Lands Day events in the United States. Last year, despite COVID-19 conditions, 1,625 volunteers came out for the event. The GLAC is managed by the Lake Allatoona Association (LAA) and partners with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on this worthy environmental cleanup. LAA also sponsors the Allatoona Lake Warriors Program, which completed an additional 943 volunteer hours cleaning the lake throughout the year. This year’s GLAC is scheduled for Oct. 1. Volunteers also work as park hosts in many USACEmanaged day-use areas. In return for a free campsite, these volunteers open and close gates, check for fee compliance and generally maintain surveillance of the areas. You probably have seen these volunteers in places such as Cooper’s Furnace, Riverside, Blockhouse, Galt’s Ferry, Victoria, Sweetwater, Kellogg Creek, Tanyard and 22
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Stamp Creek day-use areas. Interested in working and living on the lake at one of these locations? USACE still has a number of volunteer positions available. For more information, contact the USACE Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700. Some of the best volunteer work being completed on the lake is coming out of the Allatoona Volunteer Village. This 10-site campground houses volunteers who seasonally donate their time to assist the lake office. The “village people” were responsible for completing nearly 12,000 hours last year on projects, such as pressure washing ramps and day-use areas, mowing recreation areas, maintaining trails, manning phones and radios, presenting water safety programs, assisting campground staff and many other duties. In March, we received great news that Allatoona Village volunteers Brenda Grano and her mother Wynonna Brakeman were named USACE National Volunteers of the Year! Brenda and Nony have built a recycling program at Allatoona that is second to none and have expanded the program into almost every area managed by USACE. Their passion and hard work finally paid off with this tremendous award. Finally, don’t forget that April 22 is Earth Day! If you would like to volunteer for an Earth Day project, or if you’re interested in a park host or Volunteer Village position, call our office and ask for the volunteer coordinator.
Christopher Purvis is lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over Partnerships, Volunteers and Project Security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
23
Meeting the Challenge BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Canton School Bus Driver Hikes to Mount Everest Base Camp Motivational guru Tony Robbins said: “Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limits. Each day, we must strive for constant and neverending improvement.” Jeff West lives his life by this truth. After running the Peachtree Road Race for 39 years, this 61-year-old followed through on a long-held goal to hike 72 miles to the Mount Everest Base Camp. “I have wanted to take this hike for years,” West said. “I finally decided now is the time!” Over the last winter school break, West booked a flight to Nepal that included 45 hours of flying and layovers. On the final leg of the trip, West flew into Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla. This is considered the most dangerous airport in the world. The runway is only 1,640 feet long, with the
Jeff West with his guide, Sonam. (Note the suspension bridges in the background. This trip cured West’s fear of heights!)
Landing at the most dangerous airport in the world: Tenzing-Hillary.
Himalayan mountains on one end and a sheer drop-off on the other. Only pilots with a special rating are allowed to land there. West spent a total of 11 days hiking to the base camp. (It required seven days to climb up and four days to come back.) “With this hike, and my running, I have gone enough miles to circle the earth at the equator more than once!” West said. People like West, who challenge themselves to push physical limits, and strive for constant improvement, inspire us to think we can accomplish way more than we think we can. “To make my solo hike to base camp, I hired an experienced guide and a porter,” he said. “The porter carried the hiking gear. We started the trek on a mountain called Ama Dablam (elevation: 9,318 feet). The final elevation at base camp is 5,364 meters, which translates to 17,598 feet.” “I didn’t have much time to acclimate to the extreme elevations and low temperatures. December is usually the coldest month there. On the hike, I slept in Teahouse Hostels. For the entire 11 days, I lived off
rice and pasta. I was told not to eat the meat in Tibet. And, even though I’m in good physical condition, there were times when I could only take about four steps at a time before I had to rest. It was difficult to catch my breath. In my lifetime of training, this low-oxygen hike has to be the hardest thing I have ever done.” The tenacity of the people of Nepal left quite an impression on West. “The Nepali people are resolute, laid-back and endure the harshest of conditions without ever complaining. They are happy with so little,” West said. “A huge snowfall came only days after I completed my hike. If the big storm had come just two days earlier, I would not have been able to attain my goal of reaching base camp. I’m forever grateful I got to experience the majesty and scale of the highest mountain on earth.”
Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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On the Trail of
Augustus Coggins BY THE WANDERER
A few years ago, a trail was built to connect Etowah Park with Heritage Park in Canton, creating roughly a 3-mile sidewalk along the Etowah River. There are several loops and wooded trails that branch off from it, and it’s easy enough to walk 5 miles or more, without having to repeat any section. Recently approved and under construction, a 1.33-mile extension will connect Heritage Park with Boling Park, where an existing 1-mile section will link it up with the Boy Scoutmaintained trails there. When all is said and done, you’ll be able to straddle the Etowah River for a full 8 miles. The section linking Heritage and Boling parks that’s now under construction runs along the bank, directly below the highest point in Canton, on land that once was known as Crescent Farm. At the top of that rise overlooking the Etowah is the former residence of the farm, built in 1922, which currently houses a Wellstar facility. Down the hill on the other side is the Rock Barn, the former home of the most prized horses and mules on the farm. The horses were bred for harness racing, and some of the animals sired there made the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in New York. Their owner — also the builder and owner of Crescent Farm — was a man named Augustus “Gus” Coggins, who just might be the singlemost interesting and controversial person in Cherokee County’s history. Coggins was a successful farmer, horse breeder and banker. In the 26
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Gus Coggins at Crescent Farm.
post-Civil War era, he and the owners of several other nearby, smaller farms, took advantage of the lower-cost labor available by hiring Black people to work on his farm. This decision did not sit well with many of his working-class white neighbors, some of whom belonged to the “night riders,” now known as the Klan. He and others began receiving threats around 1900, and the Rock Barn, built in 1906 using stones from the Etowah River, was his reply. He would not be intimidated by the idle threats of men behind masks. In December 1916, what had until then been idle threats became reality, when the Klan torched barns owned by Coggins and other farmers who used Black labor. Crescent Farm lost two barns, one that contained his entire corn crop and another filled with horses and mules. The loss was estimated at $75,000 to $80,000, the equivalent of close to $2 million today. The Rock Barn, which housed Coggins’ best horses and mules, escaped the catastrophe, and he did well enough to build the grand residence a half-dozen years later. A decade after the barns of Crescent
Farm were set ablaze, disaster struck when the bank Coggins had founded failed, forcing him into bankruptcy. He left town with considerable economic damage in his wake, and didn’t return to Cherokee County until his body was brought back after his death in 1952 to be buried near his father, A.B. Coggins, and his mother, Mary Louise Coggins, in Riverview Cemetery. Soon enough, we’ll be able to trod the riverbank of the former Crescent Farm, directly across from the old Canton Textile Mill No. 1, and ponder who Gus Coggins really was — a shrewd businessman and community leader, or a man whose businesses caused more harm than good; a man who stood up to the Klan, or a man who ran off with other people’s money; a man who hired Black people when others would not, or a man who exploited them for lower wages to maximize profits. Perhaps, he was all of those. In the words of Peter Tomasi, “There are no heroes, and there are no villains. There are just opposing points of view. That’s all history is — the viciously long battle between world views.”
The Wanderer has been a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 20 years, and constantly is learning about his community on daily walks, which totaled a little more than 1,800 miles in 2021. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com.
HALL
of
T
he Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame board members are busy preparing for the organization’s May 6 banquet, when members of the 2022 class (the 19th) will be inducted. It’s a long-awaited celebration, since the 2020 and 2021 banquets were canceled, due to the pandemic.
e m Fa
With the most recent inductees, the number of honorees rises to 111; the first athletes were honored in 2003. The members represent male and female athletes, coaches and business owners representing baseball, basketball, football, wrestling and golf, among other sports. Many athletes achieved statewide or national attention and accolades, including Olympic-level competition.
r o f p U s r Ge a t e u q n a May B
WYATT Wilkie
• Wyatt Wilkie
TODD ADAMS
Sequoyah High. AAAA state champion wrestler.
Justin Wilkie
• Justin Wilkie
BRETT GRAVITT
2022 Hall of Fame Inductees
Along with the 2022 inductees, class of 2020 members Greg Robinson and Bart Manous will be recognized, as well as the top senior male and female athletes from each Cherokee County high school, and the 2017 Etowah High state championship baseball team.
Sequoyah High. Two-time AAAA state champion wrestler. NAIA All-American at Cumberland College. Region Champion wrestling coach at Creekview High.
• Brett Gravitt
Etowah High. All-County basketball. First Team GJCA at Middle Georgia College. Two-year starter and team captain on two Sun Belt Championship teams at the University of South Alabama. Nine-year professional basketball career in Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, and U.S. League MVP.
• Todd Adams
Contributor. referee, umpire, youth coach for more than 40 years.
LEARN MORE
SPONSORED CONTENT
For the complete history and information about the hall of fame, which is sponsored by Northside Hospital, visit www.ccshof.net. To purchase banquet tickets, scan QR code or go to https://ccshof.ticketleap.com/ccshof-enshrinement-banquet-2022. AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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The Beauty Barn Canton’s newest neighborhood med spa offers services to restore confidence in an atmosphere that keeps you at ease. Spring is in the air, and everything feels fresh and new—the perfect time to treat your skin to its own spring renewal at The Beauty Barn!
a place to gather, laugh and spend time with people from our incredible community—and then return to real life with a healthy glow of confidence.”
Tucked in a secluded, private area in an east Canton neighborhood, The Beauty Barn is a new medical aesthetics practice with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS
“I started The Beauty Barn with a dream of bringing medical competency, kindness and a sense of fellowship into the world of facial aesthetics,” said Dr. Amy Hubert, MD and owner of The Beauty Barn, which opened its doors last June. “It’s
Dr. Amy Hubert consults with clients about which treatments are best for their goals.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Dr. Amy had the vision for The Beauty Barn but credits her partner, Julie Thorne, a nurse practitioner, with bringing it to life, and office manager Amy Murphy with keeping operations running smoothly.
Julie Thorne, FNP, shows a patient the SkinPen® used for microneedling.
“Julie had the motivation and the know-how to get this off the ground and turn it into a fully operational business. And Amy is always one step ahead of us, making
sure appointments are convenient and timely for our clients. I am so appreciative—there would be no Beauty Barn without them.
Beauty, Expertise & Community Facial aesthetic treatments like Botox, fillers and facials aren’t just for the Hollywood elite anymore; these treatments have made it into the mainstream. For those new to facial aesthetics, trying injections or chemical peels for the first time can be intimidating. That’s what inspired Dr. Amy to establish a neighborhood med spa that puts a strong emphasis on positivity and community. The Beauty Barn vibe is relaxed but professional—all consultations
and treatments are administered by a physician or nurse practitioner—and it’s very low pressure. “When it comes to facial aesthetic treatments, less is often more, so you won’t find us pushing more product than what the client needs,” Dr. Amy said. “We’re very conscientious about finding just the right amount to get the results the client hopes to achieve while maintaining a natural appearance.”
the procedures so they know what to expect from start to finish. “We take meticulous notes about each client’s treatment so we can replicate the results they love,” Dr. Amy said. “We invite every client to return after two weeks for a complimentary appointment so we can compare before-and-after photos and ensure they’re happy with their results.” Office manager Amy Murphy, above, helps clients schedule appointments to fit their busy schedule.
Clients First With every visit to The Beauty Barn, you’ll have a medical team with decades of experience in facial aesthetics walking you through the procedure and giving you a personal skin renewal treatment plan that’s all about enhancing your natural beauty. Communication is a critical part of The Beauty Barn culture, and the practitioners spend a good portion of every visit listening to clients to understand their goals, giving them an honest assessment and explaining
Experienced Medical Providers Who Care About YOU While facial aesthetic treatments are readily accessible to everyone nowadays, it’s important to seek competent, experienced providers. The Beauty Barn team is full of experts in medical aesthetics—they know the science and how to administer treatments safely to get the results clients want.
Clients are, in fact, happy with their results. In just 10 months of business, The Beauty Barn has enjoyed a steadily growing foundation of clients, including women and men of all ages. “The response from the community has exceeded our expectations, and we’re already looking to expand our space to do even more for our clients and the Canton community,” Dr. Amy said. And again, their mission is all about giving clients confidence. “Confidence is a superpower and one of the most beautiful things we own,” Dr. Amy said. “Our passion is to instill a renewed sense of self confidence and empowerment in each and every client.”
Dr. Amy Hubert, MD
Dr. Amy has more than a decade of aesthetics and injecting experience and previously owned a med spa in Jacksonville, Fla. She has been practicing emergency medicine for more than 20 years and served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years as a surface warfare officer and physician.
Julie Thorne, FNP, BC
Julie is a nurse practitioner with more than 15 years of nursing experience, working in family practice, regenerative medicine, compliance consulting and aesthetics. She specializes in injection therapy, facial contouring and aesthetic medicine, and trains medical providers across the U.S. on injection techniques.
Amy Murphy
Amy is the office manager and in charge of the day-to-day operations at The Beauty Barn. She is responsible for patient coordination, scheduling, and managing all front office logistics. Her background in accounting and finance makes her a great fit for our team.
Safe & Effective Medical-Grade Treatments The Beauty Barn uses Allergan products, trusted as the highest quality physician-grade products on the market with proven results backed by years of scientific research. The spa’s complete lineup of nonsurgical treatments includes cosmetic injectables and skin rejuvenation treatments:
Cosmetic Injectables • Botox for wrinkles and fine lines • Juvederm No. 1 dermal filler collection in the United States and worldwide • Kybella for double chin treatments
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments • DiamondGlow 3-in-1 exfoliation, extraction and infusion treatment • Chemical Peels that exfoliate with mild acid to reveal more radiant skin • Microneedling (or the supercharged microneedling with PRP—plasma rich platelets) • SkinMedica line of physiciangrade skin care products, available for purchase at the spa Read more about The Beauty Barn’s full lineup of treatments and products at www. cantonbeautybarn.com.
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Beauty Barn
427 Old Orange Mill Road, Canton 678-824-5466 cantonbeautybarn.com | E Q
The Beauty Barn is located in east Canton. AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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4
Ways to
Improve Your Home, Quietly
BY ELISABETH STUBBS
You are ready to sign the papers and start that big home improvement project. Maybe you are gutting your kitchen, knocking out walls to open up your space, or your dream pool is going in. Unfortunately, construction is loud and dirty, which are big annoyances if you live in a quiet and tidy neighborhood.
Here are a few tips to keep the peace:
1. Talk to your neighbors.
Understanding the project’s scope ahead of time can be helpful to work around the noise, dust and general disruption. Get in touch with your neighbors before the project begins. Regular communication is important. How much longer will the giant dumpster be in your driveway? Has the timeline changed? Provide updates as needed. You also may need to keep your homeowners association in the loop.
2. Prepare for demolition and dust.
Demolition also creates lots of dust. If the homes are very close together, ask your contractor to take precautions to keep most of the mess on your property. For example, wetting the construction site every day to dampen particles and keep them from flying around.
3. Make a plan to handle construction noise. All that pounding from construction can seriously get on your nerves. Let your neighbors know when the job site will be particularly noisy. Be aware of what times construction noise can start and end. Find out on what days of the week noise is permitted. (Many places don’t allow construction on Sundays, for instance.)
4. Share contact information with neighbors.
If you will not be home while most of the work is being done, give your neighbors the contractor’s name and number so they contact them if there’s an emergency. Keep in mind that construction is temporary. Try not to let every little thing bother you. Here is some advice to help you stay calm during your next big home improvement project:
• When it gets noisy, consider putting on headphones (noise-canceling headphones work best) and playing music. • During the height of construction, get outside and take a nature walk. • If you’re working from home, plan to go to a local coffee shop for a few hours, to concentrate and grab a cup of joe.
Big projects aren’t always fun, but remember — once completed, the value of your home increases, which will increase the value of your neighbors’ homes as well.
Elisabeth Stubbs is one of the owners of Enhance Floors & More, one of Atlanta’s toprated flooring dealers, located in Marietta.
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County Parks on a Winning Track BY HARRY JOHNSTON
It’s an exciting time for Cherokee County Parks. The program recently achieved national accreditation, following a two-year effort to meet requirements for that honor. Even better, the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association just named the Cherokee parks program No. 1 in all large counties in Georgia! The parks program has grown dramatically since voter approval of a $90 million bond issue in 2010. The facilities now include 67 ball fields, 34 picnic pavilions, 32 tennis and pickleball courts, 17 playgrounds, 41-plus miles of trails, an indoor recreation complex, a worldclass mountain bike park and a fabulous aquatics center. And, it’s still growing. “The Buzz,” a new indoor recreation facility, is under construction at Veterans Park in the Macedonia Community, funded from the last of the park bond proceeds and a mix of other sources. It should open by year’s end. Additionally, the historic Hickory Flat Elementary gym is being renovated as a recreation and community center, and multi-purpose trails are being built along Towne Lake Parkway. Conceptual designs were completed last year for parks on three properties in southwest Cherokee. Funds are in place for Phase 1 construction on the first one, on Highway 92 at Hunt Road. It’s planned for mostly passive uses, with a playground, open spaces, picnic pavilion and trails. It will be adjacent to a commercial and restaurant area planned by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development as a way to energize that corner of the county. Another park is planned on Kellogg Creek Road, near Old Alabama Road. Mostly passive, it will include exciting features, such as an elevated tree walk.
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Three parks in northeast Cherokee are in the conceptual design process. One, to be named Cochran Park, is adjacent to the current and future sites of Free Home Elementary. It includes a lake that will remain as a scenic and fishing attraction. Walking trails, open space and a disc golf course are being considered. A 500-acre parcel on Yellow Creek Road at the Etowah River will be developed with trails, river access and a second major bike park. A smaller tract at the intersection of Long Swamp Creek and the Etowah River, near Ball Ground, once the site of an Indian mound, will include an interpretive center for the Native American era, as well as an access point for the river. A 125-acre site a couple of miles down river is being held for future park development. A 40-acre site, north of the Hickory Flat business district, is under contract to purchase as a future park. Specific plans are not yet developed. It could include passive and/or active uses, such as ball fields. Some of the funding for park development will come from the county’s impact fee program, but most will come from SPLOST, if voters extend that program in November. Park operations and maintenance are funded mostly from alcohol taxes and user fees. Very little property tax revenue is used for parks. As always, I’m interested in your thoughts on these and other matters. Email me at hjohnston@cherokeega.com. Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He's a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner.
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n 1992, Brian and Kim Higgins decided to build a few hive boxes to attract honeybees to their property. The couple wanted to grow fruits and vegetables, but weren’t having any luck. An agent of the Cobb County Extension Service said the reason was the lack of honeybees for pollination. Fast forward to 2022. The Higgins now run Home Town Honey, a nationally known, award-winning company, and have created a line of honey products they sell at more than 100 retail outlets in metro Atlanta. Products also are available at local farmers markets, from Brookhaven to Kennesaw, including the Cobb County Farm Bureau market at Lost Mountain Park. “It feels like overnight we went from building our own hive boxes to having five farms in Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock, Marietta and Cartersville, and winning the national award for the best honey in the nation,” Brian said. “We have been proud members of the Georgia
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State Beekeepers Association since 1995 and support The University of Georgia’s bee research lab.” Home Town Honey is 100% pure, raw local honey; many customers buy it to help control their allergies. Other products include beeswax candles, bee pollen, honey soaps, liquid-filled honey candy, honey straws and lip balms. In addition to the medicinal qualities of honey, some customers have come up with creative ways to share the product. “We bottle and sell 2-ounce honey bears for baby showers. Clients will tie a blue or pink ribbon around the bear’s neck and tag them, Baby to Bee, to give as shower gifts,” Brian said. “We also bottle 2-ounce hex jars of honey for wedding favors. The couple will print their own label saying, Thank You for sharing this day with me and my Honey, and include their names and date on the label.” The Higgins incorporated in 2001, after
From left, Kim Higgins, Tyler Jasper, Brian Higgins, Aimee Prestridge and Amber Swearingen. Employees not pictured: Sandra and Bryon Wilson, Colin Moore, Brooke Cobb, Madison Ballard and Veronica Delanuez.
starting the company in 1995. Because honey is considered food, the Higgins have to obtain all the proper licenses, and meet Georgia Department of Agriculture and U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements. Home Town Honey is a member of the Metro Atlanta Beekeepers club, Georgia Beekeepers association, and the American Beekeepers Federation. In 2016, the company won first place at the American Beekeepers Federation national convention for their wildflower honey. Brian has served six years on the board of directors for the Cobb County Farm Bureau and has served as a director on the Georgia State Honey Commodity Board for the last five years. The couple are lifelong Cobb County residents. He is a Sprayberry High graduate, and Kim went to Lassiter High. The business has been a family affair through the years, as their children, Sandra and Branden, have helped with in-school field trips, bottling and labeling jars, making deliveries to stores and manning the booth at farmers markets. To find a retail outlet near you, check the list of retailers and farmers markets at www.atlantashometownhoney.com. AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Volunteers plant trees on the campus of the retreat and conference center.
A Place of Refreshment, Restoration for God’s People BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ
A hidden gem, the Land Christian Retreat and Conference Center in Woodstock celebrated its 40th anniversary serving the world’s churches last year. The Land began as a dream of a humble couple, Paul and Mary Louise Storey. They were meeting in a small Bible study group in Marietta in the 1970s when Paul had a vision that included land with a large meeting house and homes. “My husband Paul heard a call from the Lord to provide a place for the body of Christ to come away and rest,” Mary Louise said. It took a while for this idea to come to fruition. In April 1981, Paul and Mary Louise felt the time had come to search for property to fulfill their vision. A beautiful, serene 37 acres at 2135 E. Cherokee Drive was purchased, and a 34
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rich legacy of restoration and equipping of God’s people began. Mary Louise said the Land belongs to the Lord under the direction of Christian Outreach Ministries, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that does ministry as the Land. Its mission is simple: to be “a gathering place for the body of Christ to be refreshed, restored and equipped to make disciples of Christ for his kingdom.” The 40th anniversary celebration turned bittersweet when the vibrant, 93-year-old founder, Paul Storey, passed away on Sept. 3, 2021. “Paul’s legacy lives on here at the Land, and our purpose remains the same,” Mary Louise said. “Our desire has always been to implement in every way possible the answer to Jesus’ prayer that all be one in him.”
Construction on the large, two-story meeting and retreat house, which they call the Big House, began first. Other amenities were added including: • P. E. Storey Sanctuary: a place to worship and learn (maximum capacity 250) • Mission Campground cabins: for group retreats. • Mission Campground kitchen and meeting room: maximum capacity 80 attendees • Cottages: private getaway • Pavilion and fire pit: for outdoor gatherings. • Lots of nature and a small lake: for fishing, prayer and rest. There also are six residential homes at the Land, where the leadership of Christian Outreach Ministries resides. All residents participate in the caretaking of the grounds and facilities, and serve as ministry to the guests. Besides Mary Louise, Deborah and Wes Durham are longtime residents. Wes presently serves as the CEO, and Deborah, the CFO. “We got to know the Land in 2017,” said Pr Ari Alves of Heal Our Land Ministries. “And, since then, we have stayed there at least two or three times a year. We are grateful to God and the Land on this journey of our incessant search for God. Thank you for this incredible partnership.” Another guest, from Cedarcrest Church in Acworth, said, “The Land is an oasis, where you can experience the Holy Spirit and have your soul refreshed!” “God has shown us how important it is for his flock to come away from the world to find times of refreshing together from the Lord,” Deborah said. “Many of our guests have roots in every corner of our world: from the Far East, South America, Central America, Africa and Eastern Europe. We celebrate the multiplicity of ethnic backgrounds of our brethren who choose to follow Christ. All communities of faith are welcome at the Land.” You can request a tour of the grounds by appointment. For more information, visit www.thelandwoodstock.org.
Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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What’s Happening at Your Library?
BY JOHN RODGERS
It’s the event readers have been waiting for all year long: National Library Week (April 3-9)! This year’s theme, Connect With Your Library, highlights the need for communities to connect “with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn and create,” which is our mission at the Sequoyah Regional Library System. During National Library Week, the SRLS libraries are hosting meet and greet events, open to the public, with no registration required and, as always, no fee to attend. Dates and times for each meet and greet can be found at calendarwiz.com/sequoyahreglib. All ages are invited to drop in, visit their local library, meet
Families enjoy crafting during the weekly R.T. Jones Memorial Library family storytime.
and interact with library staff, and learn about the experiences, programming and services offered. For example, did you know that Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots can be checked out from the library? How about musical instruments? Sewing machines? Free passes to state parks and other local attractions? Now’s the chance to connect with your library, and discover how a library card can be a money saver. Speaking of saving money, have you been putting off visiting your library because of fees? In honor of National Library Week, our libraries are offering a fine forgiveness program. During National Library Week, visit any SRLS location to be forgiven a certain amount in overdue fines per library card. To participate, visit or contact your local library from April 3-9, tell a staff member that you wish to take advantage of fine forgiveness, and they’ll waive select fees from your account! Some fees may be excluded, but make sure to ask a library staff member, just in case. If you prefer, you can ask “for a friend.” We promise we won’t judge. Lastly, our libraries have launched a new service called Ask Us! Sessions, which allow visitors to receive one-onone help by reserving time (up to 30 minutes per session) with a library staff member in person, by phone or virtually. Sessions can be reserved by calling your library or visiting sequoyahregionallibrary.org and clicking on Contact Us. Staff can help you learn to use library technology, access e-Library services, learn basic computer skills and more. Normally, librarians help people find books, but this is your chance to “book” a librarian! You could say we’re taking this whole Connect With Your Library thing pretty seriously. Happy National Library Week, everyone!
John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System.
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Ask the Audiologist
Are Q-tips Harmful to Your Ears? Dear Dr. Mary,
I gradually have been losing my hearing over the past few months, and I am very concerned that I cannot hear well anymore. My ears feel like they are full of cotton. I use Q-tips regularly and usually earwax comes out on the Q-tip. I also tried using an at-home earwax removal kit I purchased at the pharmacy; however, it hurt my ears and seemed to make everything worse. I’m not sure what to do at this point and would be open to any advice to get my ears back to normal. Sincerely, Clogged Caleb, Woodstock Dear Clogged Caleb,
You came to the right place for answers! This is something, as audiologists, we see daily. Earwax is a natural byproduct of the body, and it is a good thing. Earwax moisturizes your ear canals, keeps out particles and bugs and maintains the pH balance in your ear. However, sometimes earwax can cause problems. One common problem related to earwax involves Q-tips. When you use Q-tips, the bulk of the earwax is pushed further into your ear than normal. This is detrimental to the natural processes of the ear and can cause an accumulation of earwax that ends up blocking your hearing. A blockage in the ear caused by earwax can give you a feeling of being off-balance, difficulty hearing, pain or may even cause an ear infection. If you have any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you contact your hearing healthcare professional immediately for removal.
BRING YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS! 8 a.m. April 23 Etowah River Park in Canton
DJ – Adoptions – Trophies – Raffles – Swag Bags
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
Yours Truly, Dr. Mary Swantek
Dr. Mary Swantek joined North Georgia Audiology in 2019. She earned her doctorate degree from the University of Florida and her bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University.
Funds raised support local animal shelters and support the fight against the dog meat trade in Asia.
www.streetdogdash5k.org AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Crossing the Speed for Need and F3 Help Those With Needs Experience 5Ks and More SUBMITTED BY SPEED FOR NEED
Speed for Need is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a need through participation in fitness events, such as 5Ks, 10Ks or marathons — experiences that they would not be able to have on their own. Trained drivers push Track Commanders (riders) in customized, fitted racing wheelchairs to help them participate in and complete fitness events. Our impact is measured largely in the number of smiles and amount of laughter coming from the Track Commanders that we push. There is no greater impact than helping others feel included and loved.
Who We Serve
From left, Kevin Young, Owen Farr and Will Farr.
Anyone with a need (child or adult) is eligible to participate as a rider in a Speed for Need event. Examples of needs include physical or cognitive disability, recovering from a disease, or older adults, such as military veterans in events honoring our military. We coordinate with organizations that serve potential riders, as well as local race directors. We provide teams and specialized racing wheelchairs to push our Track Commanders in races and running events. This all is done at no cost to the riders.
How We Got Started
F3 Cherokee member Zach Taylor pushes Next Step client David in the black chair. In the background, F3 Cherokee member Bryan Reynolds pushes Next Step client Lanier in the blue chair. 38
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Will Farr, from Charlotte, North Carolina, had been an avid runner his entire life, but had a hard time sharing his joy of running with his son, Owen, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (a rare genetic disease that causes the muscles in the body to become weak and damaged over time). Farr met Kevin Young after he joined a free men’s workoutfellowship group called F3 (Fitness, Fellowship and Faith — learn more at F3nation.com). The two men saw an opportunity for Owen and others to experience the joy of participating in a race. With the support of F3, the men collected donations to purchase a racing wheelchair they could use to push riders, like Owen, in local running/racing events. On July 4, 2017, Owen got to participate in his first race with his dad, and out of the love of a father, Speed for Need was born.
Finish Line
F3 Cherokee member David Zeh pushes his stepson Nicolas Medina (also an F3 Cherokee member) at the 2021 Next Step Run, Walk or Roll 5K.
Where We Are Now
Since 2017, Speed for Need has grown to nine specialized racing wheelchairs and has run with more than 315 Track Commanders in 95 races, helping raise awareness for more than 40 social causes. After running the Next Step Run, Walk or Roll 5K in October 2021, with the help of F3 Cherokee, Speed for Need officially began expanding into Georgia in January. The positive response has been incredible. Initial fundraising efforts allowed for the purchase of four racing wheelchairs to use for events in Georgia. Speed for Need is run completely by volunteers, and donations are used to purchase and maintain the racing chairs for our riders.
How Can You Get Involved?
Email info@speedforneed.org. You can help by becoming a volunteer, or donating at speedforneed.org. We always are looking to partner with organizations or events where there is a need to help get a Track Commander to the finish line. We recently partnered with the Kennesaw Grand Prix Race Series and are looking for riders to fill our chairs. For the most upto-date information, visit https://kennesawgrandprix. com. For other events, check out our event calendar at https://speedforneed.org/calendar.
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Rob’s Rescues These animals are waiting for homes at Cobb County Animal Services.
This dog’s name is Franklin. He is still at the shelter from when I wrote about him two months ago. He is a 3-year-old, medium-sized brown and white Feist. He is really energetic, in a good way, and would be a good running companion with some leash training. He also would be a good family dog who would love his family.
Rob with Kiana Leveritte of Georgia Audubon.
This month, I interviewed Kiana Leveritte, the community engagement coordinator for Georgia Audubon, about the Urban Ecologists program.
Can you tell us about Atlanta Urban Ecologists (AUE)?
AUE was created for eighth to 12th grade students to expose them to environmental concepts that affect the world, and to inspire them to become ecologists. We partner with groups around Atlanta and have a monthly outing. We try to make every meetup different. They are 3-hour sessions that incorporate things like visiting the zoo or planting trees.
What is your favorite thing to teach kids?
Water usage. The students meet with Fulton County Public Works, and they learn just how much water we use, as opposed to the minimum we need to survive, and how we can save water. Then, we go to the water reclamation plant and learn what happens behind the scenes there.
What are your most popular activities kids like to do? This cat’s name is Ari. She is 2 years old. She is an orange and white medium-sized cat who was a stray, because people would not want to give this cat up. She is very affectionate and would be a great pet for everyone.
They really like planting trees, birding and working with other animal groups, such as the Amphibian Society. They love hands-on activities.
Who came up with AUE?
AUE was created by Melanie Furr, director of education, for students to learn about ecology and to bring people from all walks of life together to learn about science in a way they can understand.
What do you want kids to think about when it comes to wildlife and ecology?
Have an open mind. So many aspects of science and ecology all work together. This connectivity is what I want people to appreciate.
Where could people go to learn more about this program?
Visit the Georgia Audubon website (www.georgiaaudubon.org) and Facebook page (@georgiaaudubon), and look for Atlanta Urban Ecologists.
Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
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8 Lesser-Known Menopause Symptoms BY JAMES HALEY, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
You’ve probably heard about the classic menopause symptoms — irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain and mood changes, to name a few. If you’re a woman between the ages of 40 and 65 — in some cases even a bit younger — you may be suffering with some of these symptoms right now. But, did you know that there are other symptoms that aren’t as common, and may cause many women to think something is seriously wrong? Menopause comes with many changes — some major and some minor. Some women manage to get through the process with only a little discomfort. Others may be slammed with multiple symptoms. Most menopausal changes are caused by the decline of three hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The following menopausal symptoms are some of the notso-common symptoms that usually are caused by the same hormonal shifts.
1. Forgetfulness, confusion, loss of focus and difficulty concentrating. Decrease of estrogen and progesterone can
provoke cortisol levels to become erratic, resulting in brain fog and slower cognitive skill function. 2. Bloating. During perimenopause and early menopause, flagging hormones can create bloating. This often disappears when levels permanently stabilize. 3. Sleep problems. Dwindling hormones can trigger sleep disturbances, such as interrupted rest, insomnia, waking up too early or sleeping too long. 4. Incontinence or frequent urination. Significant changes to pelvic muscles damaged or weakened during childbirth or waning estrogen can prompt more bathroom visits. 5. Thinning or loss of hair and brittle nails. Increase in androgens (male hormones) spur shrinkage in hair follicles. Bald patches, thinning and peach fuzz may develop, along with dry, brittle cracked nails. 6. Digestive problems. Constipation, indigestion and gas can be attributed to cortisol levels affected by hormone reduction. 7. Headaches or migraines. If women experience headaches before and during menstruation, this may continue throughout perimenopause and menopause. 8. Increase in allergies. Ebbing hormones during menopause can accelerate histamine production, introducing new allergies or magnifying old ones. Given time, many menopausal symptoms can correct themselves. Others can easily be remedied through hormone therapy, diet, exercise or medication. However, hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to several serious conditions in women; unusual symptoms that arise should be assessed by an OB-GYN to rule out other causes. James Haley, MD, FACOG and FPMRS, is an OB-GYN and urogynecologist with Cherokee Women’s Health in Canton and Woodstock.
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www.mustministries.org AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Source: HGTV
Canton Get Any Better?
HGTV’s ‘Married to Real Estate’ Team Transforms Local Couple’s House Gwen and Dennis Massey had the experience of a lifetime when Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, hosts of the HGTV series “Married to Real Estate,” took over the renovation of their “hot mess” of a house. The Masseys are metro Atlanta natives, and moved to Holly Springs in 1986, when they married. The children they raised there have stayed in the community, where they are raising their own families. The Masseys bought the 35-yearold Canton house in preparation for retirement, and to accommodate caring for an aging relative. Although they had experience renovating, they gladly gave control to the HGTV team, which turned a ranch-style house with potential into a warm, comfortable home.
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Describe, as you called it, your “hot mess” of a house.
We could tell this house was built really well 35 years ago, but almost every room was in a state of disrepair. It was literally a hot mess everywhere you looked. We hoped we were getting into cosmetic renovations, and would not have a lot of surprises arise in the process. There was no flooring in the living room, and the 35-year-old carpet in other parts of the house had animals freely living on it. The bathroom faucets leaked, and the cultured marble sinks were cracked. The master bathtub was disassembled; the floor was missing tiles, and cabinetry was missing doors and hardware. The kitchen was big, but the faucet leaked; the 1980s garden window did, too. And, the handle on the oven had been replaced with a two-byfour and a towel bar, which a friend affectionately named “redneck chic.” Oh, and the pool … let’s just say it was a lovely shade of brownish green.
Are you and your husband do-it-yourself folks, or was this the first time you’ve tackled a project? We built our second home from the ground up, and did renovations on our last home. We had a need for a ground level in-law suite. Considering the real estate market in the area, we needed to be open to another renovation.
At what point did you realize you needed help?
From the beginning of this decision, we knew we would need to hire a contractor for this work, to get it done in a timely manner. This was a big job, more than what we could handle on our own. We knew we would want to remove the popcorn ceiling, replace all the floors (including carpet in the bedrooms and hallway, linoleum in the kitchen and laundry room, and ceramic tile in the foyer and two bathrooms upstairs), as well as replace cabinetry in the kitchen, paint all the walls and ceilings, and get new windows.
What did Egypt and Mike do to your home? Egypt and Mike took this hot mess and turned it into a beautiful, comfortable home for our family. They opened the wall from the kitchen to the family room, and installed an amazing gourmet kitchen. They changed a dark drab space into a bright joyful gathering space with a 10-foot island, with seating for five, and beautiful banquette seating. Our master bathroom is gorgeous! They listened to us and designed the space to be functional for how we live. I feel like they splurged on the right items and protected our budget. They were like working with good family members; we felt like they listened to what we liked and had our backs.
How would you describe the experience? What was your favorite part?
The whole experience was surreal. We were blessed to have a professional design team take over renovating our house, who told us to stay away and come see when it was all finished. We like surprises, so the reveal was our favorite part. It was overwhelming to walk in and experience that much change at once. Another favorite part was Egypt, Mike and the production team. The first day we filmed, the producer told us to wear what we were comfortable in and to put on my makeup like normal, that this wasn’t that kind of show. I didn’t ask what she meant, but I soon found out. These were real-life, non-pretentious, down-to-earth, genuine people doing what they love to do. We got to be a part of that for a little while. Who doesn’t like to be around others when they’re doing what they love to do?
Why did you decide to reach out to HGTV?
A mutual friend connected us to the producers. We had a lot of conversations about the scope of the work that needed to be done, things they wanted to do, our willingness to surrender the job to their team and to trust them to do what they do. For me, that was the easiest part, because our lives had some unexpected challenges. So, for them to take over all the decision-making, product sourcing and overseeing was a huge relief !
When did you buy the house and ask for help? How long did the renovation take? I can’t discuss some of these details. What I can tell you is they started work on the house the first week of August, and our reveal was Oct. 8. They turned the project around in nine weeks! It was amazing!
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EVERYDAY
Spring is here, along with warmer weather, longer days and nature coming back to life. We are reminded of the innocence and beauty that exists all around us, despite the heaviness of what is happening in the world. We are given new life and new mercies every morning. Since school began, Everyday Angels has been very busy, behind the scenes, meeting the rising needs for temporary housing. We continue to work closely with school administrators and counselors who identify and help qualify family needs. The “as needed” donations received allow us to do this important work for our community. We could not make a positive difference without your help.
Everyday Angels invites everyone to an Elton Live! tribute concert on April 23 at the Northside HospitalCherokee Amphitheater in honor and support of Chasity Schug. We featured her story in December 2021 and, now, we are partnering with the local company, TSA, Inc. to raise funds in honor and support of her family. Please go to https://cherishchasityconcert. eventbrite.com for more information or to purchase your tickets. We are excited to see everyone there! 44
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Readers, this letter is for you:
Dear Everyday Angels: We want to thank you for the help you provided to one of our student’s families during the holidays. The day before we left for Christmas break, it was brought to our attention that one of our student’s family’s utilities had been disconnected for weeks. We learned that due to family illness and sick days without pay, the parents had to choose what bills to pay, and water and power in their home became a luxury. While other kids were excited about Santa, these students just wanted a warm shower. We quickly rallied together like we do, and collected funds. We remembered the help your organization had provided in past years and made the call. Despite the long list of holiday needs, you put our student on top of your long list, no questions asked, and made sure their utilities were reconnected within days. You also provided grocery cards to present to them. Last week, the parents came into our school to thank me and asked that I send a small donation to Everyday Angels. While the amount may be small, the gesture is huge. They are humble, they are grateful, and they look forward to better days so they can do for others as you have done for them. It is important you and your donors understand the impact you make within our community. As an administrator, we are grateful to have a resource available to help during desperate times, and that you trust us to identify these needs. - Jenn This is why we do what we do, and you allow us this privilege. We thank YOU!
Everyday Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal, or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in our community, email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.
CTC is a 501(c)(3)
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Recycling Day - Canton
Celebrate Earth Day, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. April 23, at Canton’s City Collection Site (2525 Ridge Road). Drop off items that are typically more difficult to recycle, such as electronics, latex and oil-based paint, and tires. Paper shredding also will be available. To participate, you must reside within the city limits of Canton. For more information, visit cantonga.gov and Facebook (@DowntownCantonGA). This is a biannual event; watch for details on the fall event.
Recycling Stations
Cherokee County Recycling Center
Celebrating
Earth Day Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the 1970 environmental movement (www. earthday.org). With multiple events recognizing Earth Day in Cherokee County, it’s evident commemorating the global campaign is a priority for our residents. While recycling this month is especially busy because of Earth Day, there are ongoing opportunities throughout the year. Incorporating reducing, reusing and recycling into our daily routines can help keep trash out of our neighborhoods, rivers, lakes, trails and parks, ultimately protecting the health of our community, and the planet.
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Greenstock Day and Recycling Event - Woodstock Join Woodstock as it continues its journey to go green, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 30, at Woodstock Elementary School. The event includes recycling of electronics, cellphones, batteries and more, as well as document shredding. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/3KmJLHK.
Keep Cherokee Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile
Litter poses a threat to our motorists, natural habitats, wildlife and waterways. The Adopt-A-Mile initiative, sponsored by Keep Cherokee Beautiful in partnership with Cherokee County, allows citizens to show their pride in our county and safely reduce the amount of unsightly trash along our roads. The Adopt-A-Mile program directly benefits the community through litter prevention, greater civic involvement and area beautification. To get involved, visit https://bit.ly/3KtFwug.
In January 2021, the Cherokee County Recycling Center served 3,610 vehicles for trash and recyclables. In January 2022, that number jumped to 5,309; however, there was no increase in revenue. On Feb. 10, the Recycling Center began allowing out-of-county residents to utilize recycling services for a $10 fee. The service to county residents remains free. As services opened to non-Cherokee County residents, photo ID proving residency now will be required. Residents and non-residents still will be limited to a single-vehicle load per day. Fees for other items, including household appliances, still will apply.
• Hobgood Park
6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock
• Blalock Road Facility
470 Blalock Road, Canton To learn more about the Cherokee Recycling Center, including what type of recyclables are accepted, visit www. cherokeega.com/recycling-center.
More Recycling Centers
• Autumn Hill Nursery (black plastic •
• • •
plant trays and pots), 4265 Earney Road, Woodstock. 770-442-3901. Federal Recyclers (electronics, metals, paints), 502 Industrial Drive, Woodstock. For a full list of accepted items, visit federalrecyclers.com. Appointment required for drop-offs; call 770-591−0375. Northwest Recycling (metals), 2455 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-213-4573. Royal Metal Recycling, 190 River Mill Drive, Ball Ground. 770-704-0411. Woodstock Recycling (metals), 111 Dixie Drive. 678-494-0325.
Earth Day Recycling Event
FREE and
Open to the Public!
Mainframes Networking Equipment Typewriters Telecommunications Monitors* Equipment Televisions** Back Up Batteries Toner Cartridges Power Systems Fax Machines Desktop & Copiers Laptop Computers Printers Cardboard, Plastics, & Metals Scanners Cell Phones!
Accepted items:
Mainframes Networking Equip *$5 fee for all monitors **$25 for all TVs Fees due to the extensive amount Typewriters Telecommunicat of work involved to ensure safe Monitors*recycling. Equipment Televisions** Back Up Batteri Toner Cartridges Power System Fax Machines Desktop & Copiers Laptop Comput Keep your children safe Printers by recycling Cardboard, expired car Plastics, & seats or those no longer Scanners Cell Phones! needed.
Yes! Your used gardening pots and containers can be recycled!
Donate your gently used sneakers, and Greater Cherokee Kiwanis can recycle them!
Accepted items:
***No phonebooks, newspapers, magazines, 3 ring binders, or large binder clips accepted. ***Three box limit Letter/Legal Size
*$5 fee for all monitors **$25 for all TVs Fees due to the extensive amo of work involved to ensure sa recycling. Be sure to rinse out your aluminum beverage cans!
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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What Are Students Learning Today? BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
What are students learning today? The short answer is, “what you learned, but better.” The Cherokee County School District continues to teach students the same core subjects that you, your parents, your grandparents and many generations before them learned. Students learn to read and write, and to understand math, science and the world around them. They learn about government and civic responsibilities. They learn about art and music, fitness and nutrition, technology and teamwork. As they progress to middle and high school, they explore career paths and more life skills. Students not only can choose to take the electives you did — just with new names; for example, home ec is now family and consumer science, and shop is construction — but also can pick from nearly limitless opportunities. These opportunities are made possible by expanding our high school course catalog (www. cherokeek12.net/Content2/courseguide) to encompass college-level courses and numerous career paths, accessing a statewide virtual learning catalog and giving them chances to dual-enroll with universities and technical colleges. We’re dedicated to preparing graduates for success in college, career and life, which is why we offer such course variety, but the majority of them do pursue fouryear degrees. To meet that need, we offer an ever-widening selection of Advanced Placement courses that prepare students for college’s rigor, and offer the opportunity to earn college credit. To provide the best education possible, we consistently call upon top teachers to become school administrators, and to join our district Office of Curriculum & Instruction. The experienced educators who make up our curriculum and instruction team 48
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
develop resources, methods and programs to grow children’s criticalthinking skills, mastery of knowledge for college and career success, and lifelong love of learning. While some of our best teachers choose to stay in the classroom, we’re grateful for those who give up that joy to ensure we provide exemplary teaching and learning support. Transparency in teaching and learning is a hallmark for our school district. The community at large can view what teachers cover in their lessons — by grade level and by subject — by reviewing the standards and curriculum maps posted on our website (www.cherokeek12. net/administration/curriculuminstruction). Parents have access to even more information through the Canvas
learning management system. Through Canvas, parents can track their child’s lessons and academic progress. If you see that your child scored low on a reading quiz, you can ask him or her about it, and offer support, and you can email the teacher, if further help is needed. We offer more opportunities than ever for students to catch up and stay on track. New this school year, teachers publish their plans for the coming week on Canvas by Sunday evening, for parents to review. This not only allows you to preview the week’s lessons, but it also helps you be more involved in your child’s learning. On Sunday, you know when your child’s science test is — even if they didn’t tell you — so you can ensure they study the night before, and you can offer to help them.
Barbara P. Jacoby serves as chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District, and is a CCSD parent with four children.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors at Home BY KELLEY ARCHER
Spring has officially sprung in Cherokee County, and with the warm Georgia weather comes quality time spent outside with family, friends and neighbors. If you find yourself on the hunt in the housing market, one important factor to consider is the access to nature you’ll enjoy in the next community you and your family call home. Residents of master-planned communities enjoy a lifestyle that’s intrinsically connected to nature — a breath of fresh air for those who appreciate the everyday beauty of the great outdoors. These communities are intentionally designed for access and connection to a variety of natural amenities, including ponds, trails, parks and more. Communities surrounded by protected greenspace are steps away from the great outdoors and the many benefits it provides.
NEVER MISS A BEAT!
Residents of master-planned communities surrounded by nature …
• Have direct access to greenspace, just outside their front door — improving moods and often lowering levels of daily stress and anxiety. What better way to finish off a long day at work than with some downtime in a community park, or even a peaceful walk along a greenway or wooded trail. • Enjoy the many benefits of living an active lifestyle — promoting health and longevity for families and neighbors. Master-planned communities offer a variety of programming and events for Series their residents to connect throughLantern active, outdoor activities.
UNDER THE STARS
• Build strong connections with others through outdoor activities — providing a lasting and intrinsic sense of community. As a part of a community with a strong focus on nature and outdoor activity, you know you’ll be surrounded by like-minded neighbors.
Master-planned communities throughout our region offer unparalleled access to nature, where natural beauty and life-enhancing natural amenities mingle perfectly to create a peaceful, rewarding life for families, friends and neighbors.
PLUS... Kelley Archer is the marketing director for Great Sky in Canton.
SUMMER CAMPS!!! REGISTRATION OPEN
NEW VISUAL ART + THEATRE CAMPS AVAILABLE
UPCOMING: Aditya Prakesh Ensemble May 28 | Carnatic Jazz
Stacie Rose Exhibit Opens Apr 17
Visual Arts Classes Orphie & The Book of Heroes
The tradition returns onstage 60+ local artists in the Gallery
Ceramics | Painting | Mixed Media
A New Musical | Jun 8-22
WOODSTOCKARTS.ORG | 678.494.4251 AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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DOWNTOWN
Canton Dining Branchwater
Nava Taqueria
Downtown Kitchen
New Georgian Hills
Steak & Seafood 190 East Main St. 678-880-7540 www.bwsteakandseafood.com Steak & Seafood 140 E. Marietta St. 770-479-1616 downtownkitchencanton.com
Goin’ Coastal
Seafood 125 W. Main St. 770-479-3737 goincoastalseafood.com
Green Line Brewery
Craft Beer, Street Tacos, Pub Food 192 E. Main St. 770-213-4420 www.greenlinebrews.com
Local on North Eatery & Bar 170 North St. 770-213-8970 localonnorth.com
Magnolia Villa
Italian 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 108 678-880-8133 www.magnoliavillaitalian.com
Mamma Onesta’s Italian Italian 250 E. Main St. 678-880-7770 mammaonesta.com/canton-ga
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AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Tex-Mex 25 Reformation Parkway, Suite 106 770-213-8197 www.navataqueria.com
Southern 69 Waleska St. 770-479-8311 Facebook/GahillsRest2005
Panera Bread Sandwich Shop 205 W. Main St. 770-720-1565 panerabread.com
Queenie’s
Southern Cooking 151 W. Main St. 770-213-4897 eatatqueenies.com
The Salty Mule
Seafood 169 Church St. 770-213-4479 www.thesaltymule.com
Florida anise bloom. Photo by Mary Tucker.
Native Anise
The (Almost) Perfect Shrub BY MARY TUCKER
Is anise the perfect shrub? Well, there’s probably no such thing, but it surely comes close, in my opinion. It has all of these characteristics going for it: native to the Southeast, evergreen, deer-resistant, low-maintenance and resistant to diseases and insect pests. There are two species of anise that are native to the Southeast, Illicium floridanum (Florida anise) and Illicium parviflorum (yellow anise). The two species have somewhat different ranges, but both are found in the lower parts of the Southeast. Fortunately for gardeners, anise is quite happy and cold-hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, making it a suitable landscape plant throughout most of Georgia. I grow both in my Cherokee County garden, but I have heard that yellow anise is slightly more cold-hardy than Florida anise. In the garden, one of anise’s most useful characteristics is its evergreen nature. In both species, the elliptical, leathery leaves grow 4-6 inches long and have an attractive glossy sheen. The leaves emit a pleasant, spicy, anise-like fragrance if brushed against, but these aromatic compounds are poisonous, which makes the plant resistant to deer browsing and to insect infestation.
Despite their overall similarities, these species have very different blooms. Florida anise bears dramatic, dark-red blooms, about 1-2 inches in diameter. These springtime flowers are star-shaped with many straplike petals, giving them a bit of an otherworldly look. Some say the flowers have an unpleasant fragrance, but I’ve never detected any malodorous scent. In contrast, the blooms of yellow anise are small, cupshaped flowers that are light yellowish-green and only about a half-inch wide. The flowers of both species are followed by lightgreen, multi-pointed, star-shaped fruits that develop into brown seed pods that look similar to culinary anise. But be warned – these fruits, like the foliage, are toxic. Both species of anise grow in an upright, compact, rounded habit and produce multiple stems. They also spread by suckers, and roots will form where the lower branches touch the soil. This makes it easy to propagate them to obtain new plants. They form large shrubs or small trees, usually growing to a height of 8-12 feet with a similar spread. In their native ranges, anises are most often found in low, damp, understory areas such as wooded ravines and stream sides. Given the natural habitat, anises prefer partial shade and moist soil and will wilt in drought; however, I find that they quickly recover when given water. In my garden, both of these anises have been very low maintenance. I never have needed to prune either for height, though I understand they are amenable to that practice if you want to keep them shorter. The only issue I’ve had is when one spreads via suckers and starts to overtake nearby plants. Then, I simply and easily pull up the unwanted pieces, potting them up if I want to share with friends. An anise has many uses in the landscape if you provide it with partial shade and moisture to suit it. Given its evergreen nature, it’s perfect as a screening plant or hedge. It also makes a lovely specimen shrub at the edge of the woods where the dark-green foliage provides contrast to bare trees in the winter landscape. Where can you procure this almost-perfect shrub? Yellow anise will be available at the Cherokee County Master Gardeners’ spring plant sale, 9 a.m.-noon, April 30, at the Cherokee County Senior Center at 1001 Univeter Road in Canton. In addition to selling plants, Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
Mary Tucker is a North Carolina native who has lived in Cherokee County for more than 25 years. She is a Lifetime Master Gardener whose special interest is gardening with native plants.
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Around & About APRIL
9
2
14
9 Charity Golf Tournament.
14, 16-17
13
Northside Hospital Easter Eggstravaganza, 1-3 p.m., features a petting zoo, carnival games, egg hunts and free refreshments at Etowah River Park in Canton. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of diapers and baby wipes for MUST Ministries in Cherokee. https://give.northside.com/easter-eggstravaganza. A skin cancer screening will be held at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology — Cherokee in Canton. https://bit.ly/3FlClBI. To schedule an appointment, call 404-531-4444. Join Easter at Revolution and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Gatherings will be held in-person at Revolution Canton. No reservations needed. www.revolution.church. April 14 — 7 p.m. April 16 — 4:30 and 6:15 p.m. April 17 — 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.
19 Lecture: The Garden Cemetery Movement
, 7 p.m., with Marcy Breffle, Historic Oakland Cemetery education manager, is coming to the Rock Barn in Canton. This event is free and open to the public. https://historycherokee.org.
22
The Cherokee County Farm Bureau Agriculture Expo, 4-7 p.m., features 30 agriculture booths, tractor and gardening classes, a children’s area, food and drinks, door prizes and more at Cagles Farm in Holly Springs. For more information, email sfpahl@gfbco.org.
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A Night to Celebrate Chastity Schug Concert is coming to Woodstock’s Northside Hospital — Cherokee Amphitheater. Enjoy music by Elton Live!, an Elton John cover band. Proceeds to benefit the Schug family. https://cherishchasityconcert.eventbrite.com.
30
Visit downtown Ball Ground for BBQ & Brews, noon-8 p.m., featuring live music, vendors, a kids space and more. https://bit.ly/3JaCuLh.
CHEROKEE MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALES Stop by the Cherokee County Senior Center, 9 a.m.-noon, for a variety of plants, shrubs, trees, garden accessories, expert advice and more. https://cherokeemastergardeners.com. On Facebook.
April 30 — Spring Sale June 18 — Summer Sale Sept. 17 — Fall Sale
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MAY
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
The Cobb County Republican Women’s Club is hosting Conversation With the Candidates, 6:30-9 p.m. at The Marietta Strand Theatre. For more information, including the invited candidates, visit https://ccrwc.org/sponsor-the-convo. Registration is open for the annual MUST This is a two-flight tournament; the first flight breakfast and range practice begins at 7 a.m. at Woodmont Country Club in Canton. www.mustministries.org/golf. The second annual Every Link Matters Charity Golf Tournament, benefiting children and families with KGB syndrome, will be held at Fairways of Canton. Registration begins at 8 a.m.; shotgun start is at 10 a.m. https://bit.ly/3I8GSZN.
18 Golf Outing
The 29th annual United Methodist Scholarship begins with registration, a continental breakfast, and driving range and putting contests, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at Lake Arrowhead Yacht and Country Club in Waleska. www.reinhardt.edu/give/ ministerial-golf-outing.
20
The Homeless Veterans Charity Golf Tournament will raise funds to provide programs and services to homeless veterans in our community, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at Lake Arrowhead Yacht and Country Club in Waleska. https://bit.ly/3JeATEe.
FALANY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER For tickets, visit www.facebook.com/ falanyperformingartscenter.
April 2
Relive the rock and roll magic of Fleetwood Mac with
Rumors: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show, 3-5 p.m. From period accurate equipment and costumes to spot on characterizations and musical performances, the show will take you back in time.
April 22-24, 29-30, May 1
Reinhardt students perform “Violet” at the University Theater on the main campus. This musical follows the story of a young, disfigured woman who embarks on a journey by bus from her farm in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, to be healed in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT www.cherokeek12.net/News/ccsdtheatre2122 Contact the school front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
April 21-23
THE MILL ON ETOWAH www.etowahmill.com
Wednesdays in April
Minis at The Mill features a variety of interactive activities,
10-11 a.m. Bring your preschool-aged little ones, and get moving!
"Big Fish" Cherokee High School. There also is a
April 6: Functional fitness with Strongside April 13: Pirouettes and picture books with
"High School Musical" Woodstock High School. There
April 20: Tumbling with Canton Gymnastics Center April 27: T-ball with Standout Baseball
2 p.m. matinee on April 23. Tickets are $10.
also is a 2 p.m. matinee on April 23. Ticket price to be determined.
April 22-23
"Sister Act, Jr." Dean Rusk Middle School. There also is a
Theodora Dance
April 5
Market at The Mill is 5:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday night
1 p.m. matinee on April 23. Tickets are $5.
on the green. This family-friendly event features the best local creators, bakers, butchers, farmers and more.
"The Butler Did It" River Ridge High School. There also
Trivia Night on the Green begins at 7 p.m. Thursdays.
April 22-23, 25-27
is a 3 p.m. matinee on April 23. Tickets are $10.
May 6-7
"Puffs: Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic" Etowah High
School. General admission tickets are $10. Tickets are $7 for thespians and drama club members, senior citizens and children, ages 12 and younger.
June 2-4
"Shrek the Musical" Academy Street Theatre Group performs at Cherokee High School. Tickets are $5.
CHEROKEE RECREATION AND PARKS AGENCY www.playcherokee.org Recreation Center: 770-924-7768 Aquatic Center: 678-880-4760
April 2
Cherokee Parks and Recreation’s Flashlight Egg Hunt event begins at 6 p.m., and the egg hunt starts at 8:30 p.m., at Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton. Cost is $10 per child.
April 6
Unwind Wednesday is back, 5:30-8 p.m., the first Wednesday of every month through October, at Cherokee Veterans Park.
April 16
The Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza will be at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center in Canton. Children ages 3 and younger can join an egg hunt on the lawn, 2-2:30 p.m. Children ages 4-12 can join the underwater egg hunt; the first time slot is 2:30-2:45 p.m. For times and registration, visit the website.
April 7
Gather your dream team and compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes.
April 12
Braves on the Big Screen begins at 7:20 p.m. Chairs are available for use, but feel free to bring your own chairs and blankets. Visit the website for more live game showings.
April 17
Shop locally-made goods at Maker’s Mash, a pop-up shop featuring local artisans, every third Sunday, 1-6 p.m., at Reformation Brewery in Canton.
April 24
The Kid Biz Expo will support local young entrepreneurs, noon- 4 p.m. Admission is free. There will be kids vending, live entertainment, a fun zone and more.
April 30
Service League of Cherokee County’s inaugural Gala and Benefit for the Children, featuring a live band, silent auction, raffle, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a bar, will be at 6 p.m. at Timbers on Etowah in Canton. www.serviceleague.net.
May 7
The 19th annual Kentucky Derby Day is a benefit for History Cherokee, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at The Mill on Etowah. Enjoy gourmet food, specialty cocktails, a bourbon tasting, a silent auction and a hat parade and contest. https://historycherokee.org. To learn more about sponsor opportunities, email ahenson@historycherokee.org.
May 14
The second annual Celebrating Community With Habitat-NCG Women Build, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Mill on Etowah, features live music, food and drinks, kids activities, a vendor market, cake walk and more. All proceeds will help build a home for a local family. For more information, visit https://habitat-ncg.org/volunteer/women-build. . AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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Advertisers April 2022
ACCOUNTING & TAX Denson Pepper, CPA 678-797-5241 www.densonpeppercpa.com Treasure Tax 678-888-4829 www.treasuretax.com
DENTAL 35
5
ANIMALS/PETS Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org
41
ATTORNEYS Imbriale Injury Law 678-445-7423 www.imbrialeinjury.com
15
AUTOMOTIVE BridgeMill Auto Care Canton: 770-720-0765 East Cobb: 770-641-9906
11
BEAUTY SALON & SPA Beauty Barn Cover, 28-29 678-824-5466 www.cantonbeautybarn.com.com BUSINESS SUPPORT Canton Business Club
11
INWDSTK www.inwdstk.org/events
45
BridgeMill Dentistry 770-704-1812 www.bridgemilldentistry.com
1
7
Street Dog Dash 5k www.streetdogdash5k.org
37
Woodstock Arts www.woodstockarts.org
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Gentle Dental Care and Inside back FINANCIAL SERVICES Georgia Dental Implant Center 770-926-2784 Credit Union of Georgia www.georgiadic.com 678-486-1111 www.cuofga.org EDUCATION/TRAINING Chattahoochee Technical College 770-528-4545 www.chattahoocheetech.edu Kennsaw State University College of the Arts www.arts.kennesaw.edu
7
21
ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame Banquet ccshof.ticketleap.com/ccshofenshrivement-banquet-2022
27
Cherokee Theatre Company 770-591-0282 www.cherokeetheatre.org
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Downtown Canton Farmers Market www.cantonga.gov
The SpongeBob Musical ticketing.kennesaw.edu
39
Edward Jones, Sarah Kendall 1 770-720-6245 www.edwardjones.com/sarah-kendall LGE Credit Union www.lgeccu.org
13
Veracity Capital 678-685-3265 www.veracitycapital.com
9
HOME & GARDEN Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277
5
Kentucky Derby Day 35 www.historycherokee.org/derby-day
CBD PRODUCTS Your CBD Store Canton 770-704-0550 www.cantonga.cbdrx4u.com
This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the Around Canton magazine!
9
Dr. Fahrenheit HVAC 770-926-6773 www.drfahrenheithvac.com
55
Enhance Floors & More 770-565-3808 www.enhancefloors.com
31
Mr. Junk 678-675-8651 www.mrjunk1.com
37
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For advertising rates and information | Jennifer Coleman 678-279-5502 | jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com 54
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
Sundance Pressure and Seal 32 O: 770-720-2303 C: 404-771-0071 www.sundancepressureandseal.com INSURANCE Allstate, Cindy Sheets 770-824-7241
35
Great Sky 770-704-0234 www.greatskyga.com Homeowners Financial Group Matt Quagliana, 770-885-6060
5
11
RESTAURANTS Inside front
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 770-720-7733 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Piedmont Urgent Care www.piedmonturgentcare.org
Home Town Honey, Inc. 33 770-428-4903 www.atlantashometownhoney.com SENIOR LIVING/SENIOR SERVICES
www.homeownersfg.com/mattquagliana
PHOTOGRAPHY Red Baryl Portraits 815-540-0936
REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES
7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant 15 www.7tequilasmexicanrestaurant.com RETAIL
7
Cotton Mill Exchange 770-992-9294 www.cottonmillexchange.net
9
1
Golf Cars of Canton Back cover 678-880-1156 www.golfcarsofcanton.com
Lodge at BridgeMill, The 470-863-2690 www.bridgemillseniors.com
23
Manor Lake BridgeMill 678-990-5055 www.manorlakebr.com
36
St. George Village 404-558-6108 www.stgeorgevillage.org
3
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS MUST Ministries www.mustministries.org
41
Next Step Ministries www.nextstepministries.net
45
We have a place in the homes of our community.
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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S K N A H T for par ticipating in
! d n u o r n o i t a n i m the no
READERS’
CHOICE 2022
STAY TUNED
for May 1, when the final voting round begins! If you've made it to the voting round (top 5 nominees) for your category, watch for an email from michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com with helpful hints for winning the voting round. 56
AROUND CANTON | April 2022
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